Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: Sep. 10, 2012
As dawn breaks, my youngest stirs, still half-asleep, but his arms instinctively reach out for a hug. I wrap him in my arms, his sleepy smile so bright it could light up the darkest day. “Come on, sweetheart,” I whisper gently. “Time to rise and shine.” He lets out a soft purr, more reminiscent of a kitten than an eleven-year-old, and when I start to pull away, he protests with a sleepy “Noo.”
“Uh oh, no more cuddles for you,” I tease, but I can’t resist giving him one last squeeze. “Alright, that’s it. Time to get up.” A light shake brings forth giggles, and I know that playtime is over. “Your clothes are scattered everywhere. Brush your teeth and make your way downstairs,” I instruct, hoping he won’t require another wake-up call.
By the time I reach the kitchen, my six and nine-year-olds are already up, dressed, and immersed in a game of Club Penguin on the computer. Just then, my oldest ambles in, sleepily attaching himself to my side. “Mama,” he mumbles, and my heart swells. I relish these moments, leaning in for a quick snuggle before guiding him through his morning routine.
Now and then, someone has the audacity to remark, “Three boys? Just wait until they grow up; they’ll leave you.” I respond with a confident smile, saying, “Not if you raise them right.” While I stand by my belief, their flippant comments still sting a bit because, to an extent, they hold a grain of truth. Boys are affectionate and loving toward their mothers in their younger years, yet as they mature, there’s a tendency to drift away. But not on my watch.
To ensure my boys remain ‘mama’s boys,’ I’ve made it a priority, and while results can vary, I’ve seen success. My youngest is a little whirlwind, brimming with affection and energy, still craving his mother’s company. Success! My middle child exudes spunk and has a fiercely competitive spirit, yet he clings to me like a koala. Another win! But it’s my oldest who has truly surpassed my expectations. A sentimental soul, he reminisces about his younger days, openly sharing his emotions and love for me — a total home run!
Sometimes, I worry I might be hindering my boys when it comes to future relationships, but only a little. After all, the best men are those who cherish and respect their mothers. One day, they will grow up and start their own families, and while I dread that moment, I know it’s coming. When that time arrives, I’ll do my best to win over their partners, even if it takes a lot of effort to suppress my tears. What else can I do?
At the end of each day, my oldest bursts off the school bus, racing toward me with open arms. “It’s been six hours since I hugged my mommy!” he declares, and before I know it, my other boys join in, eager for their share of affection.
Oh, these boys are going to break my heart.
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Summary
This heartfelt piece reflects on the joys and challenges of raising three boys while striving to keep them close as they grow. The author shares tender moments of affection and the bittersweet realization that independence is on the horizon. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing strong bonds between mothers and their sons, while acknowledging the inevitable changes that come with adulthood.
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